You’ve listed your menu on every major food delivery platform in the UAE like Talabat, Deliveroo, Noon, Careem etc. So why aren’t the orders flying in?

Because visibility isn’t about just being online. It’s about being found. And in cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, where users search based on cravings, many restaurants unknowingly limit their reach by getting the small things wrong.

Here’s what most restaurant owners miss when it comes to delivery and how you can turn your listings into high-converting storefronts.

1. Don’t hide the Cheeseburger behind a cool name

Dubai is full of creative menus, but creativity doesn’t help when someone is typing “chicken burger.” If you name your bestseller The Volcano, you might love the brand feel, but unless you include the word “spicy chicken burger”, you’ll miss showing up in search results.

Do: Spicy Chicken Burger – The Volcano
Don’t: The Volcano

People search for what they’re craving. Help them find you.

2. Double-check platform visibility (Especially for Cloud Kitchens)

If you’re running a delivery-only kitchen, or you’re part of a virtual brand in a food hall, your visibility depends heavily on how your restaurant is linked to a physical location.

We’ve seen restaurants in Dubai’s Business Bay or Abu Dhabi’s Reem Island listed as “Not Available” in areas they actually deliver to, just because of incorrect backend settings.

3. Food photography that speaks to cravings

In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where people order on the go, photos are your storefront. But not all photos work.

What doesn’t work:

– Flatlays with too many dishes

– Blurry photos shot under dim lighting

– Stock images that don’t reflect the actual food

 Do this instead:

– Use close-up shots that show texture, like crispy skin or melted cheese

– Photograph your top 5 dishes professionally

– Use clean, neutral backgrounds that align with your brand

– Show portion sizes clearly. UAE diners care about value
If possible, try to show it in the delivery packaging

 If your restaurant is not physically accessible (cloud kitchen), your photos and descriptions are your only “ambience.” Invest in them like you would invest in your interiors.

4. Tag and categorize intentionally

– Don’t rely on the platform to decide where your items belong.

– Put burgers under “Burgers”

– Add cuisine-specific tags like “Indian,” “Filipino,” or “Fusion”

– Review your menu weekly for miscategorized items

– Tag combos directly in the title (like Fries & Drink Combo) to boost search visibility.

5. Search is King (Think like a hungry customer)

Most users don’t browse. They type. (Debatable? yes..)

And what they type isn’t “The Lava Binge” or “Munch Mania.” It’s more like:

“Party bites”

“Cheesy pasta”

“Grilled chicken wrap”

“Biryani”

Use these keywords in:

Menu item names, descriptions, photo tags (if the platform allows alt text)

Ask yourself: If someone didn’t know my brand, would my food still show up when they searched for what they’re craving?

Bonus example: Shareable Bites That Work

When it comes to party orders and group snacks, brands like Operation Falafel and Zaroob  are great case studies. Their mini shawarma trays, party platters, and snack boxes are easy to eat, highly searchable, and visually appealing.

If your restaurant offers anything remotely shareable or snackable, highlight that in your naming and description. Use keywords like:

“Mini bites”, “Party platter, “Sharing platters”, “Party boxes”

These types of meals are often searched on weekends or during events, and can dramatically increase your basket size.

6. Let people customize, because not everyone likes Pickles

You know the drill. The burger looks perfect until someone sees pickles. Or raw onions. Or too much sauce. That’s the moment they either scroll past with a “Would’ve been great if…” 

In the UAE, diners are clear about what they want and what they don’t. If your delivery menu doesn’t let them customise, you’re losing trust and repeat orders.

Make it easy:

– Add clear options like “No onions,” “Extra cheese,” “Sauce on the side”

– Use pre-set modifiers on apps

– Check customer notes, this one step can save you from a 2-star rating

Personalisation isn’t a luxury anymore. It’s expected. And the restaurants that make it simple? They get reordered.

7. Platform-specific tricks

Each delivery app in the UAE works a little differently.

– Talabat

Prioritize keyword-rich descriptions

Items with higher ratings and repeat orders rank higher

– Deliveroo

The algorithm rewards customer retention

Focus on dishes that people reorder often

– Noon Food

Speed matters – Highlight dishes that are fast to prep and ready within 15 minutes

8. Refresh weekly, not monthly

Ordering trends shift fast in the UAE. Think Ramadan, paydays, long weekends, big events like UAE National Day or Gulfood ( Yes! Gulf Food).

Things to check weekly:

Click-to-order ratio

– Popular items that aren’t converting

– Drop-offs at checkout

– Items flagged as unavailable

– Listings missing images or keywords

Even a minor change, like renaming a dish or swapping out a main photo, can improve visibility.

Not Just Fast Food, Delivery Is for Everyone

There’s a misconception that delivery is only for fast food or casual dining. But today, even upscale restaurants can create an incredible at-home experience.

If you offer gourmet pastas, premium salads, or signature Asian mains, deliver them with style. Think premium packaging, branded cutlery or personalized notes.

Your customers aren’t expecting a dine-in replica. But they do want to feel that it’s been thoughtfully delivered. If done right, delivery can become a new revenue stream that reflects your brand’s identity and quality. Treat it as an extension of your dining experience, not a watered-down version of it.

Final bite (Ok tell us already! What have you ordered while reading this blog? We ordered Sushi from Sushi Art ;))

Delivery in the UAE isn’t just an add-on anymore. It’s a core channel for restaurants in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. But showing up on an app isn’t enough. To convert, you need clear names, smart photos, searchable tags, and a system that speaks directly to what people want, when they want it.

If you need help with photography, platform strategy, or optimizing your listings reach out. We help UAE restaurants make delivery not just look good, but sell better.

kimberly@social-savoir.com
+971 52 994 0577
IG: @socialsavoir_fnb